Fast fashion: Addressing waste in the fashion industry

Fast fashion’s negative impact on the environment, society and the economy has prompted a paradigm shift toward more responsible and sustainable practices aimed at reducing the industry’s environmental footprint and waste.

The fast fashion industry is known for its quick production cycles and low-cost garments. However, it has caused significant environmental devastation. According to a report by the American Chemical Society, Washington, fashion production has doubled since the 2000s and is expected to triple by 2050. This increase in production has led to a significant rise in waste.

Large amounts of nonrenewable resources are extracted to produce clothes that often are used for only a short period, after which the materials are largely lost to landfill or incineration. Approximately 53 million metric tons of clothes are disposed of each year, according to a report from Columbia University’s Columbia Climate School. The report estimates that more than half of fast fashion produced is disposed of in less than a year, and about 20 percent of clothing in the U.S. is never even worn.

Overall, the fashion industry is responsible for significant environmental damage. According to figures from the United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, fashion produces 10 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 93 billion metric tons of clean water and uses more energy than the aviation and shipping sectors combined. Additionally, according to research published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, the textile industry causes 20 percent of annual global industrial water pollution from using toxic chemicals.

The shift toward circular fashion

In recent years, production has shifted toward a more sustainable and circular model. The circular model aims to reduce waste by using eco-friendly materials, designing clothes that last longer and creating closed-loop systems where products are reused, recycled and regenerated. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, which is driving innovation and change in the industry. When it comes to shopping for clothes, it’s important to consider the impact our choices have on the environment.

Here are some tips to help you make more sustainable choices:

• Buy less and buy better—Instead of following fast fashion trends, choose durable, versatile and timeless clothing.
• Resale and rental—Buy secondhand and vintage clothing, or consider clothing rental through companies such as Rent the Runway, Tulerie or Nuuly. Trade in highly desired brands such as Patagonia, Athleta and Hanna Andersson on resale platforms such as ThredUp, Recurate and Poshmark.
• Repurpose—Get creative and find new uses for old clothes. Turn old T-shirts into rags for cleaning. Lose a few socks? Why not try making a sock monkey pet toy? Have an old rug? You can repurpose the fabric to reupholster a chair.
• Repair—Many clothing items can be fixed with simple repairs such as patching a tear or replacing a button. If you don’t know how to sew, your local tailor or dry cleaner can make repairs.
• Donate—If you have clothing in good condition that you no longer want, consider donating it to a national charity, such as Goodwill, or a local church, thrift store or shelter. This way, you can divert waste from landfills and help someone in need.
• Care—Wash clothes less often, use cold water and eco-friendly detergents and dry them naturally by hanging them outdoors or indoors on a rack.
• Support sustainable fashion brands—When buying new clothing, look for brands that are committed to ethical and environmental practices. These include using organic or recycled materials, minimizing waste and pollution, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for workers and being transparent about supply chains.

The modern fashion industry’s rapid production cycles have created devastating consequences for our environment and society. However, circular fashion practices provide a glimmer of hope for a sustainable future through innovation and textile recycling, reuse and repurposing. As consumers, we can promote sustainable fashion by making informed choices and endorsing sustainable brands.

This edition of Waste Watch is part of a two-part series. In the next edition, we’ll discuss trends and innovations in textile recycling.